Penn State’s coaching staff just got a little thinner - and the NFL just got a little stronger.
Wide receivers coach Noah Pauley is heading to the Green Bay Packers, where he’ll take on the same role at the professional level. It’s a big move for Pauley, who’s been steadily climbing the coaching ranks and now gets his first shot in the NFL.
Pauley was officially introduced alongside the rest of Matt Campbell’s new staff on Wednesday, and he spoke about the opportunity to be part of a program with the kind of tradition and national recognition Penn State brings to the table.
“Obviously, (Penn State) is a brand that's built itself over the years, that's got a ton of rich tradition that people want to be a part of,” Pauley said.
Before his brief stop in Happy Valley, Pauley spent the last three seasons working under Campbell at Iowa State. During that stretch, he helped develop receivers like Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel - both of whom made their way to the NFL.
That kind of track record didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, Pauley was named FootballScoop’s Wide Receivers Coach of the Year, a nod to the impact he’s had on young wideouts and their path to the next level.
Now, Pauley’s journey comes full circle in a way - he’ll reunite with Packers receiver Christian Watson, one of his former players at North Dakota State. That connection could be a key piece in helping Watson continue to evolve as a pro, and gives Pauley a familiar face in a brand-new environment.
For Penn State, though, the move leaves a vacancy at a position that’s been under the microscope. The wide receiver room has struggled to find consistent production over the last three seasons, and fans have been eager to see a turnaround. Whoever steps into Pauley’s shoes will inherit a group with talent - but also a lot to prove.
The search is now on in Happy Valley. And while Pauley heads to the NFL, Penn State’s next hire at wide receivers coach could play a pivotal role in shaping the offense’s future.